Substance abuse is characterised by the excessive use of substances such as prescription medicine, alcohol and other illicit drugs. In cases of substance abuse, the pattern of harmful use of substances has a negative impact on health, work and interpersonal relationships.
The most commonly abused substances are alcohol and drugs such as opioids (codeine, heroin), cannabis and cocaine.
Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse is a pathological pattern of drinking alcohol to a point where it interferes with one’s daily life. Some people binge drink, while others have a more persistent pattern of drinking.
If you or your drinking has left you or your loved ones asking the following questions, also known as CAGE criteria, you may be suffering from alcohol abuse:
- Have you tried Cutting down?
- Has your drinking Annoyed other people?
- Have you felt Guilty about your drinking?
- Have you needed an Eye-opener?
Alcohol abuse can affect all organs in your body. You can develop liver cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, dementia and other neurological diseases.
Drug abuse
Drug abuse is a pattern of pathological use of both prescription drugs as well as illicit substances. Abuse of prescription drugs occurs when one exceeds the prescribed dose and takes it in a manner that is not prescribed. Prescription drugs that are often abused contain opioids such as codeine or sleeping tablets such as benzodiazepines. The abuse of these drugs can cause cognitive impairment or drowsiness which can be hazardous on the road or in the work environment. Commonly abused prescription drugs are analgesics (Stilpayne, Adcodol, Myprodol, Oxycontine), cough mixtures containing codeine and benzodiazepines (Xanor/Xanax, Pax, Betapam,rivotirl). The drugs are often used to feel good, ease stress, avoid reality or to self-medicate underlying psychiatric conditions. Appropriate management of underlying psychiatric illnesses, stress management and lifestyle changes is imperative in managing drug abuse.
Drugs stimulate dopamine release in the reward pathway of the brain. This chemical reward perpetuates cravings and the habitual use of drugs despite the negative consequences.
What are the possible treatment options?
An assessment and a clear treatment plan will be provided by Dr Govender. She may also prescribe medications to control your cravings, withdrawal symptoms and help manage medical complications that are a result of substance abuse. It is important to manage the underlying psychiatric condition that led to the drug abuse.
